# Compare SIM & eSIM Providers in Austria (2026)

> Updated May 19 2026. Independent ranking of every Austrian SIM and eSIM plan: 16 brands, 27 active plans. Cheapest mainstream plan EUR 9.50/30 days for 100 GB (Lidl Connect Tarif L). Cheapest unlimited EUR 18.90/month (bob Flex Unlimited). Networks: A1 36.2%, Magenta 24.9%, Drei 20.4%.

Updated: May 19 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/communication/mobile-plans

Updated May 19 2026. Austria runs on three networks: **A1, Magenta, Drei**. RTR counted **13.72 million consumer SIMs** in Q2 2025: **A1 36.2%, Magenta 24.9%, Drei 20.4%**; discount MVNOs (HoT, spusu, bob, yesss!, Lidl Connect, up by Drei) hold the remaining 18%. The cheapest mainstream plan is **Lidl Connect Tarif L at EUR 9.50/30 days for 100 GB**; the cheapest unlimited is **bob Flex Unlimited at EUR 18.90/month**; the cheapest 5G is **up Pure at EUR 9.90/month**.

## Master Comparison: All Austrian Plans

**27 active plans** across **16 brands**, sorted from cheapest to most expensive monthly price. The **EU roaming**column shows the fair-use data cap when roaming inside the EU; “add-on” means roaming is sold separately. The **Network**column shows which of the three Austrian MNOs (A1, Magenta, Drei) hosts the brand. Prices verified May 19 2026 from each operator's public pricing page.

| Plan | Data | Price / month | EU roaming | Network | Action |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Lyca Mobile AT · XS | bundles | from EUR 2.50 | add-on | unspec. | [See deal](https://www.lycamobile.at) |
| Lidl Connect · Tarif LBest Value | 100 GB | EUR 9.50 | 14.4 GB | Drei | [See deal](https://www.lidl-connect.at) |
| up by Drei · up PureBest Low-cost 5G | 55 GB | EUR 9.90 | 15 GB | Drei | [See deal](https://www.drei.at/up3web/en/tarife/mobile) |
| HoT · HoT fix | 60 GB | EUR 9.90 | 15 GB | Magenta | [See deal](https://www.hot.at) |
| spusu · legendärFree EU calls | 100 GB | EUR 9.90 | 17 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.spusu.at) |
| bob · Flex bobBest Value | 100 GB | EUR 9.90 | 45 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.bob.at) |
| yesss! · SIMple M | 100 GB | EUR 9.99 | 15.2 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.yesss.at) |
| XOXO · SMOOCHYStudent | 100 GB | EUR 9.99 | add-on | A1 | [See deal](https://www.xoxomobile.at) |
| educom · vamos oléEducation only | 60 GB | EUR 9.99 | add-on | Drei | [See deal](https://www.educom.at) |
| MTEL Austria · ZONE | bundles | EUR 10.00 | add-on | unspec. | [See deal](https://www.mtel.at) |
| Hi!Magenta · Sim Only | 50 GB | EUR 11.90 | add-on | Magenta | [See deal](https://www.magenta.at/himagenta/smartphone) |
| A1 · SIMply YouthUnder 26 | ∞ Unlimited | EUR 12.90 | 25 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.a1.net) |
| Lidl Connect · Tarif XL 5G | 150 GB | EUR 14.50 | 22 GB | Drei | [See deal](https://www.lidl-connect.at) |
| A1 · SIMply S | 120 GB | EUR 14.90 | 32 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.a1.net) |
| up by Drei · up Under27Ages 18-27 | ∞ Unlimited | EUR 14.90 | 23 GB | Drei | [See deal](https://www.drei.at/up3web/en/tarife/mobile) |
| HoT · HoT fix 5G | 70 GB | EUR 14.90 | add-on | Magenta | [See deal](https://www.hot.at) |
| spusu · 5G legendär | 150 GB | EUR 14.90 | 25 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.spusu.at) |
| Red Bull MOBILE · Core | 60 GB | EUR 14.90 | 37 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.redbullmobile.com/at) |
| yesss! · SIMple L 5G | 150 GB | EUR 14.99 | 22.8 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.yesss.at) |
| bob · Flex Unlimited | ∞ Unlimited | EUR 18.90 | 30 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.bob.at) |
| A1 · SIMply M | 200 GB | EUR 21.90 | 41 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.a1.net) |
| A1 · SIMply LTop Travel Pick | ∞ Unlimited | EUR 24.90 | 48 GB | A1 | [See deal](https://www.a1.net) |
| Magenta · Sim Only M | 70 GB | EUR 24.90 | 40 GB | Magenta | [See deal](https://www.magenta.at/) |
| Drei · SIM Unlimited M | ∞ Unlimited | EUR 24.90 | add-on | Drei | [See deal](https://www.drei.at/de/) |
| up by Drei · Unlimited+ | ∞ Unlimited | EUR 24.90 | 40 GB | Drei | [See deal](https://www.drei.at/up3web/en/tarife/mobile) |
| Magenta · Unlimited | ∞ Unlimited | EUR 29.90 | 40 GB | Magenta | [See deal](https://www.magenta.at/) |
| KLAX · Unlimited | ∞ Unlimited | EUR 29.90 | 39 GB | Magenta | [See deal](https://www.klax.at) |
Source: operator pricing pages, RTR market data Q2 2025. Prices verified May 19 2026. Final price depends on contract term, activation fee (typically EUR 9.90 to EUR 19.90 one-off), and optional add-ons (international, premium roaming, device installment).

## Which Austrian Network Is Best in 2026?

Austria runs on **three full-spectrum 5G networks**. Each leads on a different metric. RTR's Q2 2025 market report counted **13.72 million consumer SIMs** nationwide.

Largest network. Rural and Alpine coverage leader

A1

36.2%

**Hosts:** A1, bob, spusu, yesss!, XOXO, Red Bull MOBILE

Urban speed leader. Top download speeds in Vienna and Graz

Magenta

24.9%

**Hosts:** Magenta, Hi!Magenta, HoT, KLAX

Cheapest 5G access via up by Drei and discount MVNOs

Drei

20.4%

**Hosts:** Drei, up by Drei, Lidl Connect, educom

Source: RTR Q2 2025 market data, 13.72M consumer SIMs total. Remaining ~18% split across other MVNOs and corporate SIMs.

## Best Austrian SIM by Use Case

The master comparison above ranks every plan on data, price, and 5G. The four questions below cover the use cases most newcomers and switchers ask about. Each pick is verified against the live RTR price list for May 2026.

Cheapest · Sub-EUR-10

### What is the best Austrian SIM under EUR 10?

For under EUR 10 per month, Lidl Connect Tarif L at EUR 9.50 is the data winner (100 GB per 30 days on the Drei network). For brand-name 4G on a tight budget, HoT fix at EUR 9.90 sold at every Hofer is the easiest entry. For a 5G plan under EUR 10, up Pure at EUR 9.90 is currently the only option.

| Pick | Plan | Price | Data | Network |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Data winner | Lidl Connect Tarif L | EUR 9.50 / 30d | 100 GB | Drei |
| In-store today | HoT fix | EUR 9.90 / mo | 60 GB | Magenta |
| 5G on a budget | up by Drei Pure | EUR 9.90 / mo | 55 GB (5G) | Drei |
| A1 network | bob Flex bob | EUR 9.90 / mo | 100 GB | A1 |
Unlimited data

### What is the best unlimited Austrian plan?

bob Flex Unlimited at EUR 18.90 per month is the cheapest truly unlimited plan in Austria, on the A1 network with no contract binding. For the strongest network, A1 SIMply L at EUR 24.90 per month adds 48 GB EU roaming and Austrian customer service. For the most EU roaming, Magenta Unlimited at EUR 29.90.

| Pick | Plan | Price | EU roaming | Network |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cheapest unlimited | bob Flex Unlimited | EUR 18.90 / mo | 30 GB | A1 |
| Best network | A1 SIMply L | EUR 24.90 / mo | 48 GB | A1 |
| Most EU data | Magenta Unlimited | EUR 29.90 / mo | 40 GB | Magenta |
EU roaming · Travel

### What is the best Austrian SIM for EU travel?

Every Austrian SIM includes free EU roaming under Roam Like at Home, but the fair-use data cap varies wildly. A1 SIMply L bundles 48 GB EU roaming, the largest cap among mainstream plans. bob Flex bob follows at 45 GB. Magenta Sim Only M at 40 GB. Switzerland is NOT in the EU zone: pick a Swiss day-pass or a separate SIM if you are crossing.

| Pick | Plan | Price | EU cap | Network |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Largest EU cap | A1 SIMply L | EUR 24.90 / mo | 48 GB | A1 |
| Best value | bob Flex bob | EUR 9.90 / mo | 45 GB | A1 |
| Magenta network | Magenta Sim Only M | EUR 24.90 / mo | 40 GB | Magenta |
| Cheapest 5G | up Pure | EUR 9.90 / mo | 15 GB | Drei |
[Read the full eSIM travel guide →](/communication/esim)5G · Sub-EUR-10

### What is the cheapest 5G plan in Austria?

up by Drei Pure at EUR 9.90 per month is the only sub-EUR-10 5G plan in Austria as of May 2026 (55 GB on the Drei network, monthly cancellable). HoT fix 5G at EUR 14.90 adds 5G on the Magenta network with in-store availability at every Hofer. spusu 5G legendär bundles 5G on A1 at EUR 14.90 for 150 GB.

| Pick | Plan | Price | Data | Network |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cheapest 5G | up Pure | EUR 9.90 / mo | 55 GB | Drei |
| At Hofer | HoT fix 5G | EUR 14.90 / mo | 70 GB | Magenta |
| A1 network | spusu 5G legendär | EUR 14.90 / mo | 150 GB | A1 |

## How Do I Get an Austrian SIM or eSIM?

Two distinct paths depending on whether you are switching from an existing Austrian provider (and want to keep your number), or buying a fresh SIM or eSIM. Both require ID verification under the *Registrierungspflicht* that took effect on January 1 2019.

How-to · 1-3 business days

### How do you switch Austrian provider and keep your number?

The Austrian process is called Rufnummernmitnahme (number portability). It is free by law under RTR rules and takes 1-3 business days. Your new provider handles it. You do not write a separate cancellation. Prepaid users can switch immediately. Contract users must wait for the minimum term (typically 24 months) to end, or pay an early-termination fee.

- **Request a release code (Freigabe-Code).** From your CURRENT provider, by app, customer portal, or phoning support. Most issue it within an hour. You will get a 10-digit code valid for 30 days.
- **Choose the new provider and tariff.** Compare with the master table above. If you are price-sensitive, Lidl Connect Tarif L at EUR 9.50 is the cheapest 100 GB plan. HoT fix is the easiest in-store pickup at any Hofer.
- **Sign up with the new provider and give them the release code.** Online checkout: most have a "Rufnummer mitnehmen" toggle that asks for the Freigabe-Code. In-store: hand it to the shop assistant along with your passport.
- **Wait 1-3 business days for the port.** You stay on the OLD SIM until the cutover happens (usually overnight). The new SIM activates the morning of the switch. You will get an SMS when it goes live.
- **Your old contract auto-cancels.** Once portability completes, RTR rules require the old operator to close the contract. No Kündigung letter required. Outstanding balances are billed normally.

**Timing tip.** Contract auto-renews if you do not act before the minimum term ends. After the initial 24 months you can cancel with one month's notice at any time. To avoid an extra cycle: request the Freigabe-Code at least 30 days before your minimum-term end date.

How-to · 5-30 minutes

### How do you activate an eSIM in Austria?

You can get an Austrian eSIM three ways: buy in person at Vienna Airport or a central provider shop (instant, in 5 minutes), order online and scan a QR code at home (15-30 minutes after registration), or pick a travel eSIM (Airalo / Holafly: instant, no ID, but no Austrian number). Native Austrian eSIM from A1, Magenta, Drei, HoT, and spusu all use the same flow.

- **Check your phone is eSIM-compatible.** iPhone XS or later, Pixel 3 or later, Samsung Galaxy S20 or later. Settings → About phone → look for an EID number.
- **Pick a provider and tariff.** Use the master comparison above. HoT fix at EUR 9.90 per month is the budget pick; A1 SIMply L for premium coverage and 48 GB EU roaming.
- **Register with passport ID.** Online flow uses video-ident (5-10 minutes via webcam). In-store flow uses passport at the counter (instant). Either way it is mandatory: no anonymous SIMs in Austria.
- **Scan the QR code.** Provider sends a QR code by email (online) or hands it on a printed card (in-store). Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR code.
- **Choose primary line and APN.** Most providers auto-configure data on connection. Label it "Austria" so you can switch between home and work eSIMs later.

**ID required.** All Austrian SIMs, prepaid included, need a passport or EU national ID. There is no anonymous SIM anymore. Bring the physical document; a photo on your phone will not pass video-ident.

## Related Guides

[Top SIM cards in Austria Curated Top-7 buyer ranking with pros, cons, and CTAs.](/communication/sim-cards)[Top eSIM providers in Austria Travel eSIMs vs native Austrian eSIMs, with QR-code setup.](/communication/esim)[SIM cards user research Sentiment ranking of every Austrian SIM brand based on user reviews.](/communication/sim-cards-comparison)[Austrian telecom providers Top-7 ranking of mobile + landline + home internet providers across A1, Magenta, Drei.](/communication/telecom)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Which mobile network is best in Austria in 2026?▾

A1 has the largest 5G footprint and best rural and Alpine coverage. Magenta leads urban download speeds in Vienna, Graz, Linz, and Salzburg. Drei has the cheapest 5G access through its discount brand up by Drei. RTR Q2 2025 data shows A1 36.2 percent, Magenta 24.9 percent, Drei 20.4 percent of 13.72 million consumer SIMs; the remaining 18 percent is split across MVNOs (HoT, spusu, bob, yesss, Lidl Connect, up by Drei).

### What is the cheapest SIM-only deal in Austria?▾

The cheapest mainstream plan in Austria is Lidl Connect Tarif L at EUR 9.50 per 30 days for 100 GB on the Drei network. HoT fix at EUR 9.90 per month for 60 GB and bob Flex bob at EUR 9.90 per month for 100 GB on A1 are the next two. The cheapest unlimited plan is bob Flex Unlimited at EUR 18.90 per month, also on A1. The cheapest 5G plan is up Pure at EUR 9.90 per month for 55 GB on Drei, the first sub-EUR-10 5G plan in Austria.

### Are Austrian SIMs valid in the EU?▾

Yes. Every plan compared on this page includes EU roaming under the EU Roam Like At Home regulation. Fair-use limits apply: most MVNOs cap roaming data well below the domestic allowance (e.g. spusu legendär gives 17 GB roaming out of 100 GB domestic, A1 SIMply L gives 48 GB out of unlimited). Check the per-plan EU column in the table above before heavy roaming. Voice calls and SMS to other EU countries are included with no extra fee on every plan.

### Do I need a passport to buy an Austrian SIM?▾

Yes. Austrian law requires registration of every mobile SIM since January 2019 (Registrierungspflicht). You need a valid passport, EU national ID card, or Austrian residence permit at the point of sale, plus your Austrian address (Meldezettel not strictly required for purchase but useful for postpaid contracts). Online activation through neobrands like spusu and bob accepts a passport photo. Prepaid SIMs sold at Hofer (HoT), Lidl (Lidl Connect), and Spar still require ID activation before they connect.

### How long does number porting take in Austria?▾

1 to 3 business days from when the new operator submits the Rufnummernmitnahme request. RTR sets the operator target at one business day for validation, with cutover scheduled overnight to minimise downtime. Holiday weeks and rejected requests can stretch the process to 5-7 business days. You stay on the old SIM until the cutover happens; the new SIM activates the morning of the switch with an SMS confirmation.

### How much does it cost to port a number in Austria?▾

Nothing. RTR rules make Rufnummernmitnahme free by law under the Telekommunikationsgesetz (TKG). The new operator handles the request and bills you for the new plan; the old operator is required to release the number at no charge. Contract early-termination fees still apply if you port before your 24-month minimum term ends, but those are separate from the porting fee, which remains zero.

### Can you port a number while on a 24-month contract?▾

Yes, but you still owe the remainder of the contract. Porting itself is free and takes 1-3 business days regardless of contract status. Your old contract auto-cancels on the cutover date, but the old operator can bill an Auflösungsentgelt (early-termination fee) equal to the remaining monthly charges through the minimum-term end date. To avoid this, time the port for the last 30 days of your minimum term and request the Freigabe-Code accordingly.

### Do you keep your prepaid balance when porting?▾

No. Prepaid credit on the old SIM is forfeited at the cutover. Spend down the balance before initiating the port, or accept the loss. The number itself transfers cleanly; only the prepaid Euro balance and any unused data packages stay with the old operator. Contract-billed users have nothing to spend down because billing happens after consumption, not before.

### Are there student discounts on Austrian mobile plans?▾

Yes. A1 SIMply Youth gives unlimited data for EUR 12.90 per month if you are under 26 (lowest unlimited-data price for students). up by Drei's Under27 plan at EUR 14.90 is the Drei alternative. XOXO SMOOCHY at EUR 9.99 per month for 100 GB on A1 is a student-only plan that requires a .ac.at email or active student-ID verification through ID Austria. All three plans drop to standard pricing once you turn 27.

### Can I activate an Austrian eSIM before I arrive in Austria?▾

Yes, through online operators that accept video-ident with a passport. spusu, bob, A1, Magenta, and HoT all support this flow: visit the operator website, pick a plan, complete the 5-10 minute video-ident with your passport via webcam, receive the eSIM QR code by email, scan it on your phone. The eSIM activates immediately on connection to any 4G/5G network, including Austrian roaming from abroad. You can be on the right network the minute you land at Vienna Airport.

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Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/communication/mobile-plans
Last updated: Updated: May 19 2026
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